Is it a Calf Strain or Cramp or what ??

[nirish]

During a recent 5k race my right calf suddenly felt sore/tight on the inside at the top of the soleus. I was able to finish the 1k to the end but afterwards it was sore to touch and painful when I got up on my toes or going down stairs for the next few days.

The soreness then subsided only a matter of days later so I tried a slow run and managed 7miles without feeling the slightest twinge once.

Then two days later during the gentlest of warm-ups it went instantaneously in the same fashion as during the race and now is sore to touch again as before.

If it was injured/strained how would I have run 7miles in between the two occurrences? What could be going on, I'm bewildered!

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[trail-run-till-70]

Hi Nirish

I struggled for 2 years with frequent calf muscle spasms, cramps, strains, tears, etc. As everyone is different, just a few things to checklist:
Technique, has it changed recently ?
Are you a heel, mid or forefoot runner ?
Change of running shoes ?
Old injuries ?
Anything else health wise that could cause muscle issues ?
Sitting longer at work or play ?

I live and travel with a foam roller. I use it carefully to daily work the calf and hamstrings. It has helped me to get beyond that threshold so I can now run without significant calf issues. It took 2 years of therapy, technique change & persistance !
Look on youtube for some careful foam roller use for your situation, dont just knead away without knowing the guidelines.
Hope you can get on top of the issue !